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Waterless Cosmetics: Sustainable trend that is conquering the market

14. 7. 2025 Author: Petra Bečičková & development department

Waterless cosmetics present an innovative approach in face and body care, which puts emphasis on effectiveness, sustainability, health and beauty of the skin. Which specific types of products do represent this category and what does their biggest strength lie in?

Waterless Cosmetics: Sustainable trend that is conquering the market
Waterless Cosmetics: Sustainable trend that is conquering the market

In this article, you will learn

Waterless cosmetics, as the name suggests, do not contain any water as a basic component. This trend is gradually gaining popularity due to numerous advantages that it offers. People tend to search products that are not only effective but also environmentally sound. 

In this respect waterless cosmetics are an ideal choice providing more concentrated composition, less need of preservatives and more ecological packaging.

Sometimes we can do without water

Water is one of the most frequent basic cosmetic ingredients, without which emulsion or rinse-off cosmetics, such as liquid shower gels or shampoos, makeup removals and hand creams could not be developed. 

These cosmetic products are based on highly nourishing natural oils and butters that help trap moisture in the skin, supply it with needed nourishment and softness. 

Next, it deals of substances, the characteristics and consistency of which are similar to water (aloe vera juice, birch sap), waxes or various active oil-soluble substances. 

They are easily absorbed and penetrate deep into the skin.

There are many interesting and functional products that can do without water.

What other advantages do waterless cosmetics offer?

Not only do waterless cosmetics save water but they often contain higher concentrations of effective substances, which increases their effectiveness. Moreover, they are more ecological and have longer lifetime.

Less or even no preservatives

Water is the main breeding ground for bacteria and moulds. That is why the formulae of waterless cosmetics can do with a significantly lower or even no content of preservatives. It means that the products can be more natural and less irritating to the skin.

Concentrated composition

Waterless products are often more concentrated, due to which they contain a higher quantity of active substances. A small amount of such a product can be very effective. At the same they have a longer lifespan.

Sustainability

Lower volumes, less weight and a longer lifespan of waterless products mean a lower carbon footprint during transport. The products are often wrapped in ecological packaging, which contributes to the protection of environment.

Versatility

Waterless products have more ways of use. E. g. balm can be used as hand cream, body butter or lip balm.

Resistance

Waterless cosmetics are more microbe resistant. They do not provide an ideal breeding ground.

INCI of waterless products can include water. What is the cause? Some ingredients may contain a small quantity of water. However, such a fact must be declared by the producer.

Disadvantages of waterless cosmetics

Although waterless cosmetics provide many advantages, a couple of minuses can surprise you. What are they?

Texture

Waterless products can have a different texture than traditional cosmetics, which can surprise you at first glance. These products are often significantly greasier than their alternatives made using water.

Application

Application of waterless products can be slightly different due to their consistency, but not complicated. You will feel it e.g. during application of shampoo bar to hair.

Active substances

Not all active substances used in the cosmetic industry can be processed in waterless formulae, since some of them require water as a carrier.

Price

Concentrated products can be more expensive but their longer lifespan and higher effectiveness often pays off.

Waterless cosmetics are based on highly natural oils, butters, waxes and oil-soluble active substances. They are easily absorbed and penetrate deep into the skin.

Types of waterless cosmetics

What product comes to your mind when you think of waterless cosmetics? You may not even imagine what the category of waterless cosmetics includes. Here are some examples.

  • Bar soap and shampoo bar – bar soap and shampoo bar tend to be more and more popular due to their practicality and lesser waste.
  • Oil serum and facial oil – their waterless composition is richer in nourishing oils and extracts.
  • Balm and butter – thick and nourishing, ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
  • Bath salt, salt scrub and oil scrub– ideal waterless alternative to bath products.

How to use waterless products?

Hydration is very important for our skin, so we recommend following 2 rules:

  • Apply waterless cosmetics ideally to wet skin, due to which e.g. facial oil traps moisture in the skin and provide it with immediate and long-lasting hydration.
  • Combine them with other moisturising products – lotions and toners or serums.
  • Less is more – due to concentrated composition a smaller amount of the product is sufficient.
  • Appropriate storage – some waterless products can be sensitive to heat and moisture due to a higher quantity of natural oils, so store them in a cool and dry location (e.g. shampoo bar, lip balm, face balm).
  • Combination with water – some waterless products can be activated or better absorbed when applied to wet skin or in combination with water (e.g. makeup removing facial balm, etc.)
When using waterless cosmetic products, it is necessary to take into account correct application to extract maximum benefits and effects.

Waterless cosmetics made by Manufaktura

Our range includes a great deal of waterless cosmetic products and you can choose from the category of facial, hair and skin companions.

1. Hair care

APRICOT ECO Shampoo Bar for Dry and Damaged Hair

Shampoo bars present a big ECO boom. Their countless benefits say it all. Moreover, you can enjoy them for a significantly longer period then common liquid shampoos.

• They last up to 50 washings
• Can do without plastic packaging
• There is no unnecessary plastic waste after use
• 0% preservatives, sulphates or silicones
• Suitable for all types of hair
• 98,8% ingredients of natural origin


Strengthening Rosemary Hair Oil – Growth & Regeneration

100% natural rosemary oil is particularly effective for people suffering from excessive hair loss. The harmonic combination of rosemary and valuable natural oils, which smells of nature, stimulates scalp, strengthens hair roots, promotes faster growth, restores vitality of hair, gives shine and prevents hair loss.

  • 100% ingredients of natural origin
  • Stimulates and strengthens hair roots
  • Deeply regenerates and nourishes
  • Prevents hair loss
  • Soothes scalp
  • Suitable for all types of hair

2. Face care

Protective & Hydrating Mineral SPF 30 Stick

Waterless multifunctional stick with 100% natural mineral SPF 30 filter will take care of your skin in the mountains, at the seaside and during sports. It ensures protection against the sun, wind, frost and dehydration – anytime and anywhere. 

  • Protects from UVB and increasingly from UVA radiation (SPF 30 – zinc oxide in the ne-nano form)
  • Ideal targeted protection of sensitive areas: cheek, lips, nose, ears, freckles, pigment spots, birthmarks, scars, tattoo…
  • Water-resistant – ideal for sports, bathing and skin that tends to sweat
  • Acts as a shelter against wind and other weather events

What does it contain?

  • 100% natural mineral UV filter (zinc oxide - SPF 30)
  • Nourishing natural oils – jojoba and almond oil
  • Soothing and regenerating centella – oil from the Asian pennywort
  • Ceramides for hydration, smoothing and protection of skin
  • Hyaluronic acid for hydration and improvement of skin barrier

ANTI-AGING & HYDRATION Intense Multifunctional Face Balm

This trendy multifunctional face balm free from preservatives intensely hydrates and brightens the skin, prevents dehydration and the feeling of tightness, and reduces wrinkles.

• Lifting effect
• Comprehensive care of face, lips, neck and décolletage
• Practical retractable stick is ideal into a handbag or for travelling

What does it contain?

• Hyaluronic acid
• Vitamins A, C and E
• Coenzyme Q10
• Centella
• Shea butter
• Squalene
• Natural oils: macadamia, rose hip, almond, avocado, sunflower, apricot kernel, jojoba
• Gentle fragrance that respects sensitive skin


DAISY Soothing & Rejuvenating Facial Oil

Discover our rejuvenating best-seller of skincare! Daisy miracle inspired by beauty elixirs from the Renaissance.

• Regenerates and nourishes
• Softens
• Intensely hydrates 
• Prevents skin aging
• Suitable for all types of skin, incl. sensitive

What does it contain?

• 99% ingredients of natural origin
• Rare natural oil: rose hip, jojoba, avocado, macadamia and sunflower
• Soothing and rejuvenating extract from daisy and rosemary
• Vitamin E protecting against adverse external impacts
Coenzyme Q10 preventing premature aging
• Gentle fragrance that respects sensitive skin


ROSE 100% Natural Rejuvenating & Lifting Face Oil

Discover elixir of beauty for radiant and young-looking skin and slow down time...

• Lifting effect
• Anti-aging - helps sooth wrinkles
• Brightens
• Firms
• Intensely regenerates
• Ideal rejuvenating care of mature skin

What does it contain?

• 100% ingredients of natural origin
• Genuine rose oil
• Hyaluronic acid
• Coenzyme Q10
• Vitamin E
• Rosemary extract
• Squalene
• Natural oils


REGENERATION & NOURISHMENT Multifunctional Natural Magic Skin Balm

This magical multifunctional SOS stick fitting into a pocket or a handbag is an ideal companion for every family providing immediate and effective skin care.

• Multi-purpose natural balm
• Quick relief, regeneration, nourishment and protection
• For dry lips, abrasions, hangnails, sore corners of the mouth, raw nose, tiny scars, tattoo…
• 0% perfume, 0% preservatives

What does it contain?

• Shea butter
• Valuable natural oils
• Ceramides
• Hyaluronic acid 
• Centella


LEMON BALM Salt Body Scrub – Relaxation & Aromatherapy

The highly natural salt body scrub with lemon balm, thermal spring salt, valuable oils and fresh herbal fragrance will turn your bathroom into small home spa.

It gently exfoliates, nourishes and revitalises the skin and leaves it velvety smooth, nourished and radiant. 

Fantastic fragrance of lemon balm and essential oil from lemon grass acts as perfect aromatherapy for your soul.


3. Lip balms

WINE COSMETICS Tinted & Hydrating Lip Balm with Natural Oils

Wine kiss that you can't get enough of! 

Its natural pigment will provide your lips with a natural red tint. The best lip balms are those that are full of nature – bet on emollient plant oils, beeswax and shea butter. 

Wonderful fruity tones will gently scent your lips.


APRICOT Hydrating & Plumping Lip Balm

The highly natural plumping lip pomade supplies the lips with volume, a velvety full look and intense long-lasting hydration. 

The best lip balms are those that are full of nature – bet on apricot kernel oil, beeswax, hyaluronic acid and shea butter. 

Wonderful fruity tones of juicy apricot will gently scent your lips.


DAISY Caring Lip Balm

Application of the daisy lip balm is joy. 

The intensely caring balm with daisy and shea butter for hydrated and soft lips. 

Enjoy countless pampering kisses with a tender touch of nature


4. Universal care for skin, body, and hair

Exclusive APRICOT & CENTELLA Oil for Face, Body & Hair

Discover a light and multifunctional oil, which will become an indispensable part of your daily skincare routine. Thanks to the combination of valuable natural oils, it provides gentle and effective care from head to toes.

  • Intensely hydrates and nourishes body, face and hair
  • Helps protect skin from premature aging
  • Regenerates and soothes
  • Ideal soothing and regenerating after-sun care – after sun

What does it contain?

  • Hydrating and soothing apricot kernel oil
  • Regenerating and nourishing macadamia and jojoba oil
  • Rejuvenating Lift Oleactif – extract from the astragalus membranaceus and the acmella oleracea
  • Zklidňující centellu
  • Regenerating coenzyme Q10 against premature aging
  • Antioxidant vitamin E

Conclusion

Waterless cosmetics are not only a modern trend but also a well-developed step towards more sustainable and more effective skin care. 

Due to their advantages, such as concentrated composition, a lower content of preservatives and a smaller ecological footprint, they are more and more appreciated by consumers who are conscious of health of their skin and protection of the planet.

Nevertheless, waterless cosmetics may have specific requirements considering use and texture. But their benefits greatly outweigh possible disadvantages.

Waterless cosmetics are not only the way to natural beauty but also to a responsible approach to the environment.

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